New app to help curb your drinking

THOSE struggling to stick to their Dry July pledge, or looking to cut down their alcohol consumption long term, may find the strength and support they need in a new app.

A team of researchers from Deakin University’s School of Psychology have turned a successful face-to-face treatment into a new digital program that acts as a pocket therapist.

The product differentiates itself from others in the market by being the first in Australia to offer psychological training that interrupts automatic decision-making to change behaviour.

The same method has proven to be effective in helping people quit smoking, reduce unhealthy eating and increase exercise.

Project leader Associate Professor Petra Staiger said the eight-week program aims to help the estimated one-third of Australian adults categorised as risky drinkers cut down their alcohol consumption.

“It affects automatic thinking and helps users practice a method of replacing problematic habits with healthier ones,” she said.

“The method acts like a short-circuit, interrupting automatic habits, and making it easier to follow through with your goals.”

Associate Prof Staiger said there were a number of benefits to the app-based delivery including flexibility, affordability and confidentiality. The app has been developed for people who drink above recommended guidelines, meaning more than four standard drinks on a single occasion or more than two standard drinks per day on average.

“There’s a huge amount of associated harm when it comes to risky drinking like this … Alcohol causes more than twice as many deaths than all other illicit drugs combined,” Associate Prof Staiger said.

To sign up to the program, visit alcoholapp.org.au